2 Charged In Sales Of Stolen Explosives

March 20, 1991

NEWPORT NEWS — Two Williamsburg men have been charged with selling dynamite illegally.

David Jessen of Colonial Towne Apartments on Merrimac Trail and Edwin Thoms of the 1100 block of Richmond Road have been charged with making unlicensed shipments of explosives and selling stolen explosives.

According to the indictment and a detention memorandum filed in U.S. District Court in Newport News by federal prosecutors, Thoms found 22 sticks of dynamite near a Richmond-area quarry in 1989. Thoms sold some of the dynamite to Jessen and some to Jessen's roommate, who was cooperating with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, according to the memorandum.

In December 1989, Jessen sold two sticks of dynamite to an undercover agent, the memorandum states. Before selling the dynamite, Jessen had plans to blow up either his stepmother or an insurance company employee with whom he was having a dispute, it says. All the dynamite has been recovered.

The men, who were indicted last month in Norfolk, appeared in district court on Monday. Magistrate James Bradberry ordered Jessen held without bond and ordered him to undergo a mental evaluation. Thoms was released on $3,000 bond.

In addition to the dynamite-dealing charges, Jessen is charged with possessing explosives as a convicted felon. His criminal record includes a conviction for breaking and entering. Thoms is charged with helping Jessen obtain explosives.

The men each face up to 30 years in prison and $750,000 fines if they are convicted of all charges, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Exley, who is prosecuting the case.

Thoms will be arraigned March 28, and Jessen's mental competence will be considered the same day.